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2015 Metro User 
Christchurch   
Research Report
June 2015
www.researchfirst.co.nz

Contents

Research Context and Design 
03
2015 
1.1 Introduction 03
Metro User 
1.2 
Research Objectives 03
Christchurch 
1.3 
Research Design 03

Key Messages 
04
2.1 
Satisfaction is Steady or has Improved  04
2.2 
The Effects of the December Route  Changes are Uneven 04
2.3 
Minor Changes to the Profile of Users 04

Profile of Passengers 
05
3.1 
A More Detailed View 06

Profile of Use 
08
4.1 
Type of Journey 09
4.2 
Frequency of Use 09
4.3 
Purpose of Trip 10
4.4 
Metro Payment 11

Current Bus Routes  
12

Impact of the December 2014 Route Changes 
13

Satisfaction with Current Trip 
14
7.1 
Reasons for Satisfaction with Trip 18
7.2 
Reasons for Dissatisfaction with Trip 19
Disclaimer

Satisfaction with Public Transport in the Past Three Months 
20
Research First notes that the 
views presented in the report 
8.1 
Likelihood of Recommending Public Transport to a Friend / Colleague 23
do not necessarily represent the 
views of Environment Canterbury. 
8.2 
Suggested Improvements to Public Transport Services 24
In addition, the information in 
this report is accurate to the 

Means of Travelling if Public Transport is Unavailable 
26
best of the knowledge and belief 
of Research First Ltd. While 
Research First Ltd has exercised 
9.1 
Alternative Means of Travel 26
all reasonable skill and care in 
the preparation of information 
10 
Travelling to the Bus/ Ferry Stop 
28
in this report, Research First Ltd 
accepts no liability in contract, 
11 
Passengers with Bikes 
29
tort, or otherwise for any loss, 
damage, injury or expense, 
whether direct, indirect, or 
consequential, arising out of the 
provision of information in this 
report.
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1 Research Context and Design
1.1 Introduction
1.3 
Research Design
Environment Canterbury, the regional council servicing the 
As with previous iterations, this research was conducted via 
Canterbury region, is the lead agency for the provision of 
on-bus and on-ferry intercept surveys with passengers. A 
public passenger transport. Environment Canterbury is 
total of 2,077 surveys were completed in Christchurch. This 
an advocating and influencing agency for the provision of 
sample was stratified to ensure a representative spread 
public transport infrastructure by territorial authorities 
of users was interviewed. This involved interviewing every 
and the New Zealand Transport Agency. Environment 
nth person where possible. In the case of refusal, the next 
Canterbury works hard to provide sustainable and 
available person was interviewed (i.e. n+1st person). The 
affordable transport alternatives.
sample was also structured to include a representative 
sample from each route across targeted times of the day. 
Public passenger transport has been identified as an 
Quotas were developed based on patronage data by route 
effective way of moving large numbers of people (including 
and resulted in 1460 surveys completed on Go Bus routes, 
the transport-disadvantaged) to employment, education, 
594 completed on Red Bus routes, and 23 interviews 
recreation and social activities in a way that reduces these 
conducted with Black Cat ferry passengers. 
effects. Maintaining patronage growth for those purposes 
relies on ongoing investment in improvements to services by 
A sample of this size (N=2,077) provides Environment 
Environment Canterbury and in infrastructure by territorial 
Canterbury with results with a margin of error of +/-1.9%1. 
local authorities and the New Zealand Transport Agency.
This means that the results provided in the report are 
robust and Environment Canterbury can have confidence 
The Metro User survey was completed by Research First in 
that they provide an accurate view of the perceptions of 
both 2013 and 2014. This report presents the results of the 
service users in Christchurch. 
2015 iteration and provides a comparison with the results 
from the previous two years.
It is worth noting that the margins of error associated with 
subsets in the sample will be larger than +/-1.9% because 
1.2 
Research Objectives
maximum sampling error is a function of the total size of 
The objectives of the Environment Canterbury Metro User 
the sample, irrespective of the size of the population. It is 
Research are to understand:
important to keep this in mind and to remember that the 
results become less precise as the sample size shrinks. 
n  Who is using the system, the demographic 
characteristics of the traveller, and whether there is any 
change to the profile of travellers over time;
n  What the level of satisfaction is with the network 
service provided, measuring frequency, reliability, value 
for money, accessibility, comfort, driver attitude and 
ease of use;
n  How users view the provision of information 
and infrastructure that form part of a bus user’s 
experience; and
n  How users view the services provided by different 
companies (inter-service provider comparison), and the 
system overall.
1. At the 95% confidence interval.
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Key Messages
An intercept survey with bus and ferry passengers was conducted in 
Christchurch in 2015. This repeated similar projects conducted in 2013 and 2014. 
The key findings from that research are:
n  Environment Canterbury and the operators do well at satisfying their 
customers with regard to public transport overall and their day to day use of 
the Metro service; 
n  Satisfaction with the service remains steady or has improved since 2013; and
n  The December 2014 route changes affected the travel patterns of one-third of 
service users. Among this group, experiences of those changes were uneven 
with some identifying positive outcomes and others saying the service is now 
less convenient and slower. 
2.1 
Satisfaction is Steady or has Improved 
Passengers across the operators were satisfied with the services being provided 
both day to day and when considering the public transport system overall. 
84%
Respondents were more satisfied with the aspects directly relating the bus or 
ferry journey (i.e. the day to day service) than they were with the elements that 
Satisfaction with 
comprise the overall Metro service. 
this trip.
Satisfaction with both the day to day use of the Metro service and the public 
transport system overall has either remained steady or improved since 2013. 
Specific areas of improvement since 2013 included how the timetable meets 
passengers’ needs, the frequency of the service, real time information quality 
71%
and availability, and the bus shelters. 
This high level of satisfaction is reflected in the large proportion of respondents 
Satisfaction with 
(84%) who would be likely to recommend public transport in Christchurch.
the public transport 
Overall, Black Cat users continued to be rated higher than their competitors 
system overall (past 
for the range of factors measured. At the same time, passengers of Red Bus 
three months).
services were more satisfied than Go Bus service users. 
2.2 
The Effects of the December Route  
2.3 
Minor Changes to the Profile of Users
 
Changes are Uneven
While the demographic make-up of Metro service users is 
The route changes which came into effect in December of 
relatively similar in 2015 to that in the previous two years, 
2014 changed the travel pattern of 34% of Metro users. Go 
there are some minor differences observed. The gender 
Bus passengers were the most likely to be affected.
split of metro users was more even in 2015 than in previous 
years and reflects the Christchurch population. As in 2013, 
While the changes positively impacted some passengers 
the most common service users were 18 – 24 year olds. The 
(i.e. making the system more convenient, and reducing 
age group showing the most growth since 2013 is the 25 to 
travel time and transfers), others were less positive. Of 
34 group. Use has increased since 2013 in the daytime and 
some concern for Environment Canterbury are those who 
evening timeframes, but decreased in the Peak AM and PM 
noted it is now less convenient to use the metro service 
times. Weekday daytimes remain the period of highest use 
(14%), and that they are experiencing longer travel times 
of the Metro services. 
(12%) and more transfers (8%).
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Profile of Passengers
Profile by Gender
Percentage
Male
50%
Female
50%
Profile by Age
Percentage
16 to 17
13%
18 to 24
30%
25 to 34
19%
35 to 44
10%
45 to 59
14%
60 to 64
4%
65+
11%
Profile by Income
Percentage
Under $40,000
59%
$40,000 to $79,999
16%
$80,000 or more
4%
Declined/ Don’t know
21%
Profile by Employment
Percentage
Full time employment
37%
Tertiary student
18%
Part time employment
15%
Retired
11%
Secondary school student
9%
Unemployed (jobseeker or beneficiary)
7%
Homemaker/ domestic
2%
Other
2%
Profile by Driver Licence
Percentage
Yes, have driver licence
54%
No driver licence
46%
Profile by Time of Travel
Percentage
Peak AM (before 9am)
16%
Daytime (9.01am to 3pm)
33%
Peak PM (3 to 6pm)
21%
Evening (after 6pm)
11%
Saturday (all day)
10%
Sunday (all day)
9%
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3.1 
A More Detailed View
3.1.1 
Gender of Metro Users
The gender split of metro users was more even in 2015 than in previous years 
and closely reflects the make-up of the Greater Christchurch population (51% 
female; 49% male)2. 
This even gender split applied to metro use at different times of the day and in 
the weekends. There were some variations when looking at the age groups of 
passengers with more male than female passengers in the 25 to 34 age group 
and the opposite in the over 65 age group.
3.1 Gender of Users over Time 2013
2014
2015
Male
47%
46%
50%
Female
53%
54%
50%
3.1.2 
Age of Metro Users
3.2 Use of Metro Services, Age Change over Time
2013
2014
2015
Those aged 18 to 24 remain the most 
16 to 17
18%
14%
13%
common users of the Christchurch 
Metro services in 2015. This group also 
18 to 24
29%
26%
30%
represent the highest usage per time 
25 to 34
16%
17%
19%
of day. Use of the Metro services has 
35 to 44
10%
12%
10%
declined among those aged 16 to 17 
since 2013 but has otherwise remained 
45 to 59
13%
13%
14%
relatively consistent.
60 to 64
3%
4%
4%
65+
10%
14%
11%
3.1.3 
Time of Travel
3.3 Use of Metro Services, Time of Travel Change Over Time
2013
2014
2015
While weekend passenger numbers 
Peak AM 
23%
18%
16%
have remained relatively consistent 
since 2013, there has been some 
Daytime 
27%
31%
33%
change in use when considering the 
Peak PM
25%
24%
21%
time travelling on weekdays. Table 
Evening 
6%
9%
11%
3.3 shows that use has increased 
since 2013 in the daytime and 
Saturday
10%
10%
10%
evening timeframes, but decreased 
Sunday 
9%
7%
9%
in the Peak AM and PM times. 
Daytime (9:01am to 3pm) on the 
weekdays remains the period of 
3.4 Use of Metro Services, Gender by Time of Travel
highest use of the Metro services. 
 
Peak AM Daytime Peak PM Evening Saturday Sunday
Male
48%
50%
53%
53%
48%
49%
Female
52%
50%
47%
47%
52%
51%
2. http://www.stats.govt.nz/Census/2013-census/data-tables/total-by-topic.aspx
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When considering the time of travel by age group, Table 3.6 shows that 18 to 24 
year olds make up the biggest group of passengers in each time period. Those 
over 65 were more likely to use the service in the daytime (weekdays) and in 
the weekends. 
3.5 Use of Metro Services, Gender by Age
 
16 to 17
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44 45 to 64
65+
Male
51%
53%
55%
49%
47%
40%
Female
49%
47%
45%
51%
53%
60%
 Total Respondents
265
627
389
211
366
219
3.6 Use of Metro Services, Age by Time of Travel
 
Peak AM Daytime Peak PM Evening Saturday Sunday
16 to 17
17%
10%
15%
9%
13%
16%
18 to 24
28%
30%
29%
33%
28%
34%
25 to 34
19%
14%
22%
26%
19%
19%
35 to 44
11%
10%
10%
13%
8%
9%
45 to 64
20%
18%
19%
16%
18%
11%
65+
4%
18%
6%
4%
13%
12%
3.1.4 
Licenced Passengers
Slightly more than half of Metro service users have driver licences. This suggests 
the service is valuable to drivers as well as non-drivers. These results are 
consistent with those in 2014.
3.7 Use of Metro Services, Licenced Drivers Over Time
2014
2015
Yes, have driver licence
54%
54%
No driver licence
46%
46%
3.1.5 
Income of Passengers
The Metro service is used by Christchurch residents with a range of incomes. 
However, use is significantly higher among those with lower incomes (i.e. under 
$40,000 per annum).
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4Profile of Use
Type of Journey
Percentage
Return trip
70%
One way
30%
Frequency of Use 
Percentage
Daily
52%
Several times a week
27%
Weekly
9%
Fortnightly
4%
Monthly
3%
Every six months
1%
Yearly
1%
Less frequently than yearly
4%
Purpose of Trip
Percentage
Work/ work related
35%
Social/ recreational
23%
Shopping/ personal business/ medical
23%
Education
18%
Tourist/ Travel
1%
Payment Method
Percentage
Metrocard
69%
Cash
21%
SuperGold Card
10%
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4.1 
Type of Journey
Most (70%) of the users were using the Metro service for a round trip (i.e. they 
were, or would later be, returning to the same place). Peak AM and daytime 
travellers, as well as older passengers were the most likely to be using the 
service for a round trip. Evening travellers and those aged 18-24 were the most 
likely to travel one-way using the service.
4.1 Type of Journey by Time of Travel
 
Peak AM Daytime Peak PM Evening Saturday Sunday
Return Trip
76%
73%
67%
62%
68%
69%
One Way
24%
27%
33%
38%
32%
31%
4.2 Type of Journey by Age of Passenger
 
16 to 17
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44 45 to 64
65+
Return Trip
71%
63%
70%
70%
75%
82%
One Way
29%
37%
30%
30%
25%
18%
4.2 
Frequency of Use
4.3 Frequency of Use by Time of Travel
 
Peak AM Daytime Peak PM Evening Saturday Sunday
Those who use the Metro service 
tend to use it frequently. Half of those 
Daily
70%
43%
59%
61%
35%
40%
using the Metro service use it on a 
Several times a week
20%
30%
25%
22%
31%
31%
daily basis, while a further quarter 
Weekly
4%
10%
7%
7%
16%
14%
use the service several times a week. 
Peak AM users and those aged 16 to 17 
Fortnightly
3%
5%
2%
4%
4%
6%
were the most likely to use the Metro 
Monthly
2%
4%
2%
2%
7%
2%
service daily while weekend users 
Every six months
1%
1%
1%
1%
0%
1%
and those aged 65 or over were more 
Yearly
0%
1%
0%
1%
0%
1%
casual users of the service.
Less frequently than 
1%
5%
3%
3%
6%
6%
yearly
4.4 Frequency of Use by Age of Passenger
 
16 to 17
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44 45 to 64
65+
Daily
71%
53%
54%
51%
48%
27%
Several times a week
17%
27%
24%
26%
27%
42%
Weekly
8%
9%
7%
9%
9%
14%
Fortnightly
2%
4%
5%
4%
5%
6%
Monthly
3%
2%
2%
4%
6%
4%
Every six months
0%
1%
1%
2%
1%
4%
Yearly
0%
0%
1%
0%
1%
1%
Less frequently than 
0%
5%
7%
4%
4%
2%
yearly
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4.3 
Purpose of Trip
As in 2014, the main reason for using 
4.5 Purpose of Trip
the Metro service was for work 
2014
2015
purposes. This was followed by 
Work/ work related
32%
35%
social or shopping/ personal reasons. 
As expected, around half of those 
Social/ recreational
25%
23%
travelling in the peak periods were 
Shopping/ personal business/ medical
29%
23%
travelling for work related reasons, and 
Education
13%
18%
significant numbers were travelling 
to school or other education. The 
Tourist/ Travel
1%
1%
main reasons given for weekday and 
Returning home
1%
0%
weekend travel was for social reasons, 
shopping and personal business.
4.6 Purpose of Trip by Time of Travel
 
Peak AM Daytime Peak PM Evening Saturday Sunday
Among those aged 25 to 64, travelling 
for work purposes was the most 
Work/ work related
55%
25%
46%
48%
15%
17%
dominant reason for using the Metro 
Social/ recreational
7%
21%
16%
24%
47%
47%
service. Young passengers (i.e. aged 16 
Shopping/ personal 
9%
31%
19%
15%
31%
29%
to 24) were often travelling to or from 
business/ medical
school or other education providers. 
Education
28%
22%
19%
12%
5%
4%
Passengers aged over 65 were 
Tourist/ Travel
1%
1%
0%
0%
2%
2%
predominantly travelling for social 
reasons and personal business.
Returning home
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
1%
4.7 Purpose of Trip by Age of Passenger
 
16 to 17
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44 45 to 64
65+
Work/ work related
9%
33%
52%
50%
46%
7%
Social/ recreational
26%
22%
20%
19%
20%
35%
Shopping/ personal 
14%
14%
17%
22%
30%
57%
business/ medical
Education
49%
30%
8%
6%
2%
1%
Tourist/ Travel
0%
1%
1%
2%
1%
0%
Returning home
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
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4.4  Metro Payment
Metro users were asked to identify how they paid for their trip. In 2015, 69% paid 
by Metrocard. This result strikes a balance between the 2013 and 2014 results 
suggesting there has been little change across this period. Similar numbers used 
cash and the Supergold card3 as in previous years.
As expected, most passengers aged over 65 were Supergold card holders. Most 
of their travel occurred during the daytime or in the weekends, the times of day 
at which free travel is provided.  Metrocard use was most common in the morning 
peak, afternoon peak and evening times. 
4.8 Method of Payment for Travel, Change Over Time
 
2013
2014
2015
Metro Card
72%
67%
69%
Cash
19%
21%
21%
SuperGold Card
9%
12%
10%
4.9 Method of Payment, by Time of Travel
Peak AM Daytime Peak PM Evening Saturday Sunday
Metrocard
82%
60%
75%
74%
58%
68%
Cash
14%
22%
20%
24%
28%
20%
SuperGold Card
4%
18%
4%
3%
14%
12%
Other
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
4.10Method of Payment by Age of Passenger
 
16 to 17
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44 45 to 64
65+
Metrocard
75%
74%
76%
77%
78%
7%
Cash
24%
25%
23%
22%
20%
1%
SuperGold Card
0%
0%
0%
0%
2%
91%
Other
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
3. The Supergold card system provides free travel for seniors at certain times of day.
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Current Bus Routes 
Table 5.1 provides details of the number of Metro service users interviewed by 
route and provider. 
Number of 
Percentage of 
5.1 Routes Travelled
Respondents
Respondents
Black Cat Ferry
23
1%
Red Bus
594
29%
17
39
2%
28
128
6%
29
40
2%
100
71
3%
107
10
0%
108
7
0%
120
37
2%
135
6
0%
145
14
1%
535
7
0%
Purple
235
11%
Go Bus
1460
70%
44
20
1%
60
112
5%
80
150
7%
95
2
0%
125
66
3%
130
66
3%
140
71
3%
150
1
0%
820
4
0%
951
1
0%
952
1
0%
Blue
229
11%
Orange
133
6%
Orbitor - Anti-clockwise
135
6%
Orbitor - Clockwise
157
8%
Yellow
312
15%
Total
2077
100%
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Impact of the December 2014 Route Changes
Respondents were asked whether their travel patterns 
experiences with the changes with some indicating they 
had changed since the changes were made to the routes in 
made travel easier while others were less positive. Of some 
December last year. Those affected by the route changes 
concern are those who noted it is now less convenient to 
were then asked how their travel has changed.
use the metro service (14%), and that they are experiencing 
longer travel times (12%) and more transfers (8%). Although 
One-third of passengers noted their travel had changed due 
it’s also worth noting that satisfaction with the frequency of 
to the December route changes. Passengers had uneven 
services has increased since 2013 (see Section 7).
6.1 Change of Travel Patterns since Changes
Percentage
Travel has changed
34%
Travel has not changed 
66%
6.2 Change of Travel Patterns since Changes by Operator
 
Red Bus
Go Bus
Black Cat
Travel has changed
23%
39%
26%
The December 
Travel has not changed 
77%
61%
74%
route changes 
affected one-third 
6.3 Change of Travel Patterns since Changes by Time of Travel
of passengers.
Peak AM Daytime Peak PM Evening Saturday Sunday
Travel has changed
37%
35%
59%
31%
27%
38%
14% now find it 
Travel has not 
63%
65%
114%
69%
73%
62%
less convenient to 
changed 
use buses.
6.2 Change of Travel Patterns since Changes by Operator
 
N
%
Travel has not changed
1365
66%
Travel has changed 
710
34%
Take different routes/ buses
377
18%
It’s less convenient now to use buses
281
14%
Longer travel time
242
12%
Bus stops have changed locations
207
10%
More transfers between bus routes
167
8%
It’s more convenient now to use buses
96
5%
Routes have changed
52
3%
Shorter travel time
37
2%
Buses less frequent/ Times not convenient
34
2%
Fewer transfers between bus routes
28
1%
Other
36
2%
Total
2075
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Satisfaction with Current Trip
Respondents were asked to indicate their level of satisfaction with features 
of the bus or ferry trip they were interviewed on (Table 7.1). A ten point scale 
was used where 0 = extremely dissatisfied and 10 = extremely satisfied. Mean 
84% 
scores were used to compare data year on year. The mean score represents the 
average rating on a 0 – 10 scale. A ‘more than satisfied’ (MTS) score has also been 
calculated to help with the interpretation of these results. This simply combines 
Satisfied with 
the percentage of respondents who rated each statement an 8, 9 or 10. 
their current trip.
Metro users scored most measures as eight or higher when rating their current 
trip, indicating that they were generally satisfied. This is also reflected by the 
MTS score which shows that 84% of passengers were satisfied with their 
current trip.
Table 7.1 shows that the 2015 results represent an improvement from 
performance in 2014 but are more in-line with the scores achieved in 2013. This 
suggests that the actual result may be one of consistent performance over this 
time with very little movement. However, satisfaction with how the timetable 
meets needs and the frequency of the service has increased since 2013. This is 
good news considering the changes made in December 2014. 
Overall, passengers of Red Bus services were significantly more satisfied with 
their current trip than passengers of Go Bus services. This is reflected in the 
scores for the various aspects measured where Red Bus passengers rated 
their satisfaction higher than Go Bus passengers across all factors.  Black Cat 
passengers were more satisfied with most aspects of their current trip than both 
Go Bus and Red Bus users, however given the small sample (N=23) of Black Cat 
passengers these results should be treated with caution. 
There were few significant differences in satisfaction in terms of time of travel 
indicating that satisfaction is not generally adversely affected by busy peak 
time traffic periods. However, what does stand out is that those travelling at 
peak periods were less satisfied with the number of seats available than those 
travelling at other times.
As in 2013 and 2014, those aged over 65 tend to be more satisfied with their 
current trip than younger passengers.  Where this theme varies is in satisfaction 
with getting on and off the bus/ferry. The older age groups were the least 
satisfied with this aspect of the service. Notably school aged children were less 
satisfied with most aspects of their current trip than older passengers. 
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2013
2014
2015
7.1 Satisfaction with Current Trip, 
Change Over Time
Mean 
scores
MTS scores
Mean 
scores
MTS scores
Mean 
scores
MTS scores
Overall satisfaction with this trip
8.7
86%
8.4
77%
8.7
84%
Personal security during this trip
8.9
89%
8.6
81%
9.0
89%
Ease of getting on and off the bus/ ferry
8.9
86%
8.5
78%
8.9
86%
The driving behaviour of the bus/ ferry driver
8.6
82%
8.4
76%
8.5
78%
Having enough seats available
8.6
80%
8.3
72%
8.5
75%
The helpfulness and attitude of the driver/ ferry staff
8.5
79%
8.3
75%
8.4
75%
Comfort of the inside temperature
8.3
74%
8.1
70%
8.3
74%
The cleanliness of the vehicle
8.0
68%
8.1
70%
8.3
73%
The bus/ ferry being on time (keeping to the timetable) 
8.0
68%
7.7
62%
8.0
67%
How the timetable meets your needs
7.5
60%
7.8
65%
7.9
66%
The value for money of the fare
8.0
67%
7.8
63%
7.9
65%
How often services run
7.5
58%
7.7
60%
7.8
65%
7.2 Satisfaction with Current Trip, Red Bus, Change Over Time
2013
2014
2015
Overall satisfaction with this trip
8.7
8.6
8.8
Personal security during this trip 
9.1
8.9
9.2
Ease of getting on and off the bus/ferry
9.1
8.7
9.1
The driving behaviour on the bus/ferry driver
8.8
8.7
8.9
Having enough seats available
9.0
8.6
8.9
The helpfulness and attitude of the driver/ferry staff
8.7
8.6
8.7
Comfort of the inside temperature
8.4
8.5
8.5
The cleanliness of the vehicle
8.2
8.5
8.6
'The bus/ferry being on time (keeping to the timetable
8.4
8.1
8.2
How the timetable meets your needs
7.4
8.0
8.0
The value for money of the fare
8.0
8.1
8.1
How often the service runs
7.4
8.0
8.0
7.3 Satisfaction with Current Trip, Go Bus, Change Over Time
2013
2014
2015
Overall satisfaction with this trip
8.7
8.3
8.6
Personal security during this trip 
8.9
8.5
9.0
Ease of getting on and off the bus/ferry
8.9
8.5
8.8
The driving behaviour on the bus/ferry driver
8.6
8.3
8.4
Having enough seats available
8.4
8.2
8.3
The helpfulness and attitude of the driver/ferry staff
8.5
8.2
8.3
Comfort of the inside temperature
8.3
8
8.2
The cleanliness of the vehicle
8.1
7.9
8.1
'The bus/ferry being on time (keeping to the timetable
7.8
7.6
7.9
How the timetable meets your needs
7.6
7.8
7.9
The value for money of the fare
8.1
7.7
7.8
How often the service runs
7.5
7.6
7.8
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7.4 Satisfaction with Current Trip, Black Cat Ferry, Change Over Time
2013
2014
2015
Overall satisfaction with this trip
9.5
9.6
8.9
Personal security during this trip
9.8
9.7
9.5
Ease of getting on and off the bus/ferry
9.0
9.3
8.9
The driving behaviour on the bus/ferry driver
9.7
9.7
9.5
Having enough seats available
9.2
9.6
9.4
The helpfulness and attitude of the driver/ferry staff
9.7
9.8
9.5
Comfort of the inside temperature
9.1
9.2
8.7
The cleanliness of the vehicle
9.4
9.5
9.2
'The bus/ferry being on time (keeping to the timetable
9.6
9.7
9.1
How the timetable meets your needs
8.4
8.5
8.4
The value for money of the fare
8.4
9.0
7.5
How often the service runs
8.5
8.5
8.3
7.5 Satisfaction with Current Trip, by ProviderRed Bus Go Bus Black Cat
Overall satisfaction with this trip
8.8
8.6
8.9
Personal security during this trip 
9.2
9.0
9.5
Ease of getting on and off the bus/ferry
9.1
8.8
8.9
The driving behaviour on the bus/ferry driver
8.9
8.4
9.5
Having enough seats available
8.9
8.3
9.4
The helpfulness and attitude of the driver/ferry staff
8.7
8.3
9.5
Comfort of the inside temperature
8.5
8.2
8.7
The cleanliness of the vehicle
8.6
8.1
9.2
'The bus/ferry being on time (keeping to the timetable
8.2
7.9
9.1
How the timetable meets your needs
8.0
7.9
8.4
The value for money of the fare
8.1
7.8
7.5
How often the service runs
8.0
7.8
8.3
7.6 Satisfaction with Current Trip, by Time of Day
Peak AM
Daytime
Peak PM
Evening
Saturday
Sunday 
Overall satisfaction with this trip
8.5
8.8
8.5
8.6
8.9
8.8
Personal security during this trip
9.0
9.0
8.9
9.1
9.2
9.2
Ease of getting on and off the bus/ ferry
8.8
8.9
8.8
9.2
9.2
8.9
The driving behaviour of the bus/ ferry driver
8.3
8.5
8.3
8.7
8.9
8.7
Having enough seats available
8.1
8.5
8.1
8.7
9.0
8.9
The helpfulness and attitude of the driver/ ferry staff
8.2
8.5
8.1
8.7
8.9
8.6
Comfort of the inside temperature
8.2
8.4
8.1
8.4
8.5
8.6
The cleanliness of the vehicle/boat
8.3
8.3
8.1
8.4
8.4
8.2
The bus/ferry being on time (keeping to the timetable)
7.8
8.0
7.9
8.0
8.4
8.3
How the timetable meets your needs
7.8
7.9
7.8
7.9
8.2
7.8
The value for money of the fare
7.8
8.0
7.8
7.7
8.1
8.1
How often services run
7.7
7.8
7.7
7.8
8.2
7.9
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7.7 Satisfaction with Current Trip, by Age
 
16 to 17
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 64
65+
Overall satisfaction with this trip
8.5
8.6
8.7
8.6
8.7
9.1
Personal security during this trip
8.7
9.0
9.1
9.0
9.0
9.3
Ease of getting on and off the bus/ ferry
8.8
9.1
9.0
9.1
8.8
8.5
The driving behaviour of the bus/ ferry driver
8.2
8.5
8.5
8.6
8.4
8.9
Having enough seats available
7.7
8.4
8.6
8.5
8.6
9.1
The helpfulness and attitude of the driver/ ferry staff
8.0
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.4
8.9
Comfort of the inside temperature
8.1
8.3
8.4
8.3
8.3
8.5
The cleanliness of the vehicle/boat
7.8
8.2
8.4
8.4
8.3
8.7
The bus/ferry being on time (keeping to the timetable)
7.5
7.9
8.2
8.2
8.0
8.6
How the timetable meets your needs
7.6
7.8
7.9
7.9
7.9
8.7
The value for money of the fare
7.8
7.4
7.7
8.0
8.4
9.4
How often services run
7.5
7.7
7.8
7.9
7.7
8.6
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7.1 
Reasons for Satisfaction with Trip
Respondents who rated their overall satisfaction with this trip 6 – 10 were asked 
reasons for their satisfaction. Satisfied metro users identified a wide range of 
factors that contributed to their rating of the service (Table 7.8). General good 
service and the service meeting their needs were the most commonly identified 
reasons for satisfaction. There were relatively few differences in the responses 
between Go Bus and Red Bus passengers. Black Cat passengers noted the 
service was convenient. 
7.8 Reason for Satisfaction, by Provider
 
Red Bus
Go Bus
Black Cat
Total
Positive Comments
Good service
26%
26%
27%
26%
No issues with service/ Meets my needs
24%
22%
9%
23%
Timing/ Frequency
8%
8%
5%
8%
Friendly/ helpful driver
8%
6%
0%
7%
Convenience
5%
6%
14%
6%
On time
5%
4%
0%
4%
Reliable
3%
3%
0%
3%
Comfort/ Warmth
3%
3%
0%
3%
Good prices
2%
3%
0%
2%
Good/ safe driver
2%
2%
0%
2%
Good seating/ plentiful seating/ spacious
1%
2%
0%
2%
Bus ride is relaxing/ enjoyable
1%
2%
0%
2%
Well maintained bus/Clean
1%
2%
0%
1%
Only way I have to travel
2%
1%
0%
1%
Safety
1%
1%
0%
1%
Don't have to drive
2%
1%
5%
1%
Other 
6%
4%
5%
5%
Negative Comments
Satisfied but...Drivers can be poor (Quality of driving/ attitude)
1%
3%
0%
3%
Satisfied but...Timing/ Delays/ Not reliable
2%
3%
14%
3%
Satisfied but...Sometimes overcrowded/ need more seats
1%
2%
0%
2%
Satisfied but...Could be cheaper
2%
1%
18%
2%
Satisfied but...Can improve
1%
2%
0%
2%
Satisfied but...Frequency/ Fewer buses available
1%
1%
5%
2%
Satisfied but...Inside temperature not appropriate
1%
1%
9%
1%
Other
2%
3%
0%
3%
Other (Neither positive nor negative)
2%
1%
0%
1%
Don't know
12%
12%
14%
12%
Sample (Overall satisfaction rated 6 - 10) 
572
1402
22
1996
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7.2 
Reasons for Dissatisfaction with Trip
Metro users who rated their overall satisfaction with their trip in the 
‘dissatisfied’ range (0 – 5) were asked to identify the reasons for their 
dissatisfaction4. Areas of dissatisfaction included not keeping to the scheduling, 
being too slow, poor driving and the expense of the service.
7.9 Reason for Dissatisfaction, by Provider (Numbers)
 
Red Bus
Go Bus
Negative Reasons
Keeping to schedule
6
9
Too slow
1
6
Need to improve drivers
4
2
Expensive
1
3
Frequency
1
3
Crowded
3
2
Uncomfortable
3
2
Improve connections
0
5
Need to improve timetable/ schedule
1
3
Cleanliness
0
3
Need to improve service
2
1
Poor driving
1
1
Do not feel safe
1
1
Inconvenient to use
0
2
Unreliable/ Variable
0
1
Lack of maintenance
0
1
General dislike of using buses
0
1
Web/ Real time information not working
0
1
Positive Reasons
Dissatisfied, but...Good service
0
1
Dissatisfied, but...Buses are clean/ comfortable
0
1
Don't know
2
17
Sample (Overall satisfaction rated 0-5)
19
54
4. Note: Numbers of respondents (N) have been reported here rather than percentages due to the small 
sample sizes. Black Cat has been excluded as there was only one Black Cat passenger who rated their 
satisfaction in the ‘dissatisfied’ range. 
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Satisfaction with Public Transport 
in the Past Three Months
Respondents were asked to indicate their level of satisfaction with their experience of 
public transport in the region over the last three months. As with satisfaction with the 
71% 
current trip, an eleven point scale was used where 0 = extremely dissatisfied and 10 = 
extremely satisfied. Mean scores have been used to compare data year on year. The mean 
Satisfied with 
scores represent the average rating on a 0 – 10 scale. A ‘more than satisfied’ (MTS) score 
has also been calculated to help with the interpretation of these results. This simply 
the public 
combines the percentage of respondents who rated each statement an 8, 9 or 10. 
transport 
system over 
Metro users were generally satisfied with their experience with public transport over the 
past three months scoring most measures as eight or higher. Overall, Metro users rated 
the past three 
their satisfaction with public transport as 8.1 (or 71% MTS). This is lower than the overall 
months 
score for the current trip suggesting that satisfaction with some aspects of the overall 
experience of using the Metro service is lower than their satisfaction with aspects directly 
related to the bus (or ferry) journey.
Those areas rated highest included the convenience of 
Bus passengers with the public transport system overall, 
paying for public transport and the ease of obtaining 
and the travel time and convenience of paying specifically. 
information regarding routes and timetables. Areas of 
Scores per operator have either remained consistent or 
neutral satisfaction (rated between seven and eight) included 
improved since 2013.
the quality and availability of bus shelters and information 
about service delays. The good news for Environment 
Overall, the time of day travelled had little impact on the 
Canterbury and the service operators is that the results for 
satisfaction with the public transport system over the past 
each aspect have either improved or remain consistent with 
three months. This is good news because it means the busy 
those achieved in the previous two years. This suggests an 
peak time periods are not adversely affecting satisfaction 
overall improvement in performance since 2013. 
levels (Table 8.6). 
As with satisfaction with their current trip, Metro users 
In terms of the three main transport providers, satisfaction 
aged 65+, were significantly more satisfied with most 
was highest for the services offered by Black Cat5 and 
aspects of the public transport service than younger users 
lowest for Go Bus. This is consistent with the results for 
(Table 8.7). This is easiest to see when looking at the scores 
the current trip suggesting that Black Cat provides a better 
for the public transport system overall. Those aged over 65 
service overall and that Red Bus outperforms Go Bus. Red 
provided an overall score of 8.7, while younger age groups 
Bus passengers were significantly more satisfied that Go 
provided scores of between 7.9 and 8.1. 
2013
2014
2015
8.1 Satisfaction with the Public Transport System 
(Last three months); Change over Time
Mean 
MTS 
Mean 
MTS 
Mean 
MTS 
scores
scores
scores
scores
scores
scores
The public transport system overall
7.9
65%
8.0
67%
8.1
71%
How convenient is it to pay for public transport
8.6
82%
8.2
73%
8.6
79%
The ease of getting information about public transport routes and timetables
8.1
71%
7.9
67%
8.5
78%
Information via a cellphone or tablet (excluding Apps) 
8.0
70%
8.0
69%
8.3
74%
Real time information quality
7.5
59%
7.8
63%
8.1
68%
The travel time (considering the distance you travel)
7.9
67%
8.0
68%
8.0
68%
Real time information availability
7.4
56%
7.7
62%
8.0
66%
Quality of bus shelters
6.6
40%
7.0
46%
7.4
56%
Information about service delays/ disruptions (if applicable)
6.9
46%
7.1
48%
7.2
52%
Availability of bus shelters 
6.5
37%
7.0
46%
7.2
49%
5. These results should be read with caution given the small sample size for Black Cat (N=23). 
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8.2 Satisfaction with the Public Transport System, Red Bus; 
Change over Time
2013
2014
2015
Red Bus
The public transport system overall
7.9
8.2
8.2
How convenient is it to pay for public transport
8.7
8.5
8.9
The ease of getting information about public transport routes and timetables
8.3
8.3
8.6
Information via a cellphone or tablet (excluding Apps)
8.1
8.0
8.4
Real time information quality
7.5
7.9
8.1
The travel time (considering the distance you travel)
8.0
8.5
8.4
Real time information availability
7.3
7.9
8.0
Quality of bus shelters
6.7
6.9
7.5
Information about service delays/ disruptions (if applicable)
6.9
7.4
7.3
Availability of bus shelters
6.6
6.9
7.1
8.3 Satisfaction with the Public Transport System, Go Bus; 
Change over Time
2013
2014
2015
Go Bus
The public transport system overall
8.0
7.9
8.0
How convenient is it to pay for public transport
8.6
8.1
8.5
The ease of getting information about public transport routes and timetables
8.1
7.8
8.5
Information via a cellphone or tablet (excluding Apps)
7.9
8.0
8.2
Real time information quality
7.6
7.7
8.1
The travel time (considering the distance you travel)
7.9
7.8
7.9
Real time information availability
7.5
7.7
7.9
Quality of bus shelters
6.8
7.0
7.4
Information about service delays/ disruptions (if applicable)
7.1
7.0
7.1
Availability of bus shelters
6.6
7.0
7.1
8.4 Satisfaction with the Public Transport System, Black Cat; 
Change over Time
2013
2014
2015
Black Cat
The public transport system overall
8.6
8.8
9.2
How convenient is it to pay for public transport
9.3
9.3
9.3
The ease of getting information about public transport routes and timetables
8.9
9.1
9.5
Information via a cell phone or tablet (excluding Apps)
7.9
8.3
9.4
Real time information quality
7.9
7.0
9.1
The travel time (considering the distance you travel)
9.3
8.8
9.5
Real time information availability
7.7
7.3
9.1
Quality of bus shelters
7.4
6.8
9.0
Information about service delays/ disruptions (if applicable)
7.6
6.8
8.6
Availability of bus shelters
8.0
7.4
8.6
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8.5 Satisfaction with Public Transport System (Last 
Three Months), by Provider; Summary Table
Red Bus
Go Bus
Black Cat
The public transport system overall
8.2
8.0
9.2
How convenient is it to pay for public transport
8.9
8.5
9.3
The ease of getting information about public transport routes and timetables
8.6
8.5
9.5
Information via a cellphone or tablet (excluding Apps)
8.4
8.2
9.4
Real time information quality
8.1
8.1
9.1
The travel time (considering the distance you travel)
8.4
7.9
9.5
Real time information availability
8.0
7.9
9.1
Quality of bus shelters
7.5
7.4
9.0
Information about service delays/ disruptions (if applicable)
7.3
7.1
8.6
Availability of bus shelters
7.1
7.1
8.6
8.6 Satisfaction with Public Transport System 
(Last Three Months), by Time of Day
Peak AM
Daytime
Peak PM
Evening
Saturday
Sunday
The public transport system overall
8.0
8.1
8.0
8.1
8.4
8.3
How convenient is it to pay for public transport
8.5
8.8
8.5
8.4
8.8
8.6
The ease of getting information about public transport routes and 
8.5
8.5
8.4
8.6
8.8
8.6
timetables
Information via a cell phone or tablet (excluding Apps)
8.3
8.5
8.1
8.2
8.2
8.1
Real time information quality
8.0
8.2
8.0
8.3
8.1
7.9
The travel time (considering the distance you travel)
7.9
8.1
7.8
8.0
8.3
8.2
Real time information availability
7.9
8.0
7.8
8.3
8.1
7.7
Quality of bus shelters
7.3
7.4
7.4
7.8
7.6
7.4
Information about service delays/ disruptions (if applicable)
7.3
7.0
7.0
7.7
7.4
7.1
Availability of bus shelters
7.2
7.0
7.1
7.5
7.4
7.2
8.7 Satisfaction with Public Transport System 
(Last Three Months) by Age
16 to 17
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 64
65+
The public transport system overall
7.9
8.0
8.1
8.1
8.1
8.7
How convenient is it to pay for public transport
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.7
9.0
9.6
The ease of getting information about public transport routes and 
8.3
8.5
8.5
8.5
8.5
9.0
timetables
Information via a cell phone or tablet (excluding Apps)
8.3
8.3
8.2
8.4
8.1
8.6
Real time information quality
7.8
8.1
8.2
7.9
8.1
8.5
The travel time (considering the distance you travel)
7.8
7.9
8.0
7.9
8.2
8.7
Real time information availability
7.6
8.1
8.1
7.9
7.9
8.2
Quality of bus shelters
6.9
7.4
7.6
7.5
7.6
7.6
Information about service delays/ disruptions (if applicable)
6.7
7.3
7.4
7.4
7.0
6.9
Availability of bus shelters
6.9
7.3
7.3
7.2
7.0
6.9
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8.1 
Likelihood of Recommending Public Transport to a  
 
Friend / Colleague
Respondents were asked how likely they would be to recommend public transport 
to a friend or colleague. This was asked by means of a five point scale, where 5 = 
very likely to recommend and 1 = very likely to recommend against. To make these 
results easier to interpret, a ‘likely to recommend’ score has been calculated. This 
simply combines the percentage of respondents who said they would be ‘likely’ or 
‘very likely’ to recommend using public transport in Christchurch. 
Most users (84%) would recommend public transport to a friend or colleague. 
This result is consistent with the relatively high levels of satisfaction with both 
their ‘current’ trip and with the public transport system overall. 
The 2015 result of 84% being likely to recommend was consistent with that 
achieved in 2013 but slightly down on the 2014 score. However, given the 
84% 
closeness of the scores, the real story here may be that there has been little (or 
no) change since 2013. 
Would recommend 
Passengers of the Black Cat ferry were more likely to recommend the Metro 
public transport
service than Go Bus and Red Bus passengers. Despite Red Bus passengers being 
more satisfied with the service than Go Bus passengers this does not necessarily 
make these passengers more likely to recommend the service. 
When considering the ‘likely to recommend’ scores by the age of the passengers 
and the time at which they are travelling some differences are noticeable. 
Those travelling in peak times appeared to be slightly less likely to recommend 
public transport services, while weekend travellers were slightly more likely 
to recommend these services. Older passengers (i.e. those over 45) were more 
likely to recommend public transport than younger passengers. 
8.8 Likelihood of Recommending Public 
Transport, Changes over Time
2013
2014
2015
‘Likely to recommend’ score
84%
87%
84%
Very likely to recommend
48%
44%
49%
Likely to recommend
36%
43%
35%
Neither likely to recommend nor to recommend against
11%
11%
13%
Likely to recommend against
3%
2%
1%
Very likely to recommend against
2%
0%
1%
Red Bus
Go Bus
Black Cat Ferry
8.9 Likelihood of Recommending 
Public Transport, by Provider
2013
2014
2015
2013
2014
2015
2013
2014
2015
‘Likely to recommend’ score
83%
88%
85%
86%
86%
84%
100%
90%
100%
Very likely to recommend
47%
48%
54%
48%
42%
47%
81%
80%
57%
Likely to recommend
36%
40%
31%
38%
44%
37%
19%
10%
43%
Neither likely to recommend nor to recommend against
11%
11%
13%
10%
11%
14%
0%
10%
0%
Likely to recommend against
3%
1%
1%
3%
3%
1%
0%
0%
0%
Very likely to recommend against
3%
0%
1%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
23      ENVIRONMENT CANTERBURY | 2015 METRO USER CHRISTCHURC 
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8.10Likelihood of Recommending Public 
Transport, by Time of Day
 
Peak AM
Daytime
Peak PM
Evening
Saturday
Sunday
Likely to recommend' score
82%
87%
80%
84%
88%
89%
Very likely to recommend
50%
51%
44%
46%
57%
50%
Likely to recommend
33%
36%
36%
38%
31%
39%
Neither likely to recommend nor to recommend against
15%
11%
18%
14%
10%
9%
Likely to recommend against
2%
1%
2%
0%
1%
2%
Very likely to recommend against
1%
1%
0%
1%
1%
0%
8.11 Likelihood of Recommending Public 
Transport, by Age
 
16 to 17
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 64
65+
Likely to recommend' score
84%
82%
84%
82%
88%
91%
Very likely to recommend
43%
38%
47%
49%
61%
75%
Likely to recommend
41%
44%
37%
32%
27%
16%
Neither likely to recommend nor to recommend against
15%
15%
13%
16%
10%
8%
Likely to recommend against
1%
2%
2%
1%
1%
0%
Very likely to recommend against
0%
1%
1%
2%
1%
1%
8.2 
Suggested Improvements to Public Transport Services
Respondents were asked whether they could suggest any improvements to the 
region’s public transport system. The most common theme was improving the 
frequency and scheduling of services. Specifically, respondents suggested more 
frequent services to reduce overcrowding on buses. Other suggested areas 
of improvement included bus/ferry comfort and security (16%), routes (13%), 
information availability (8%), bus shelters (7%), costs and payments (6%), and 
drivers (6%). Close to one-third (29%) could not suggest any improvements. 
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Number of  Percentage of 
8.12 Improvements to Public Transport Services
Respondents Respondents
Frequency and scheduling
499
24%
More/ More frequent buses/ Improve overcrowding
320
15%
Be on time/ follow timetables
98
5%
Early morning/ Late night/ all night service
81
4%
Bus comfort and security
341
16%
Better heating/ ventilation
69
3%
Improve comfort of buses - more space/ better seating
49
2%
Fix/ update buses
48
2%
More pram space/ bike racks
41
2%
Play music/ better music
38
2%
Cleaner buses
33
2%
Other (prevent other passengers from being disruptive; offer wifi; luggage storage; enforce youth giving up 
seats for elderly/ disabled; offer/ allow beverages (coffee, water); provide safety belts; security; more hand 
63
3%
rails/ poles; charge points on buses; and improved accessibility for elderly/ disabled)
Routes
261
13%
Improve routes/ connections
131
6%
Revert or stop timetable/ route changes
53
3%
Consider dedicated school buses/ More buses during school peak hours
31
1%
Offer express services to further destinations/ main routes
24
1%
Other (shorter routes/ faster trips; and consider zone updates)
22
1%
Information availability
173
8%
Better signage/ information
64
3%
Improve/ update online services (website/ App)
45
2%
More electronic displays at bus stops
38
2%
Improve electronic timetables - more accurate, more information
20
1%
Other (App compatibility with Android phones; and App to work without internet connection)
6
0.3%
More/ Improved bus shelters
152
7%
Costs and payments
128
6%
Cheaper fares
72
3%
Ability to pay by EFTPOS/ credit card on bus
24
1%
Other (improve Supergold card system; Better Metrocard system (i.e. easier to top up, obtain); student offers; 
32
2%
offer free bus service; improve speed of online topups becoming active; and separate lines of cash/card payments)
Improve drivers attitude/ performance
115
6%
Miscellaneous 
121
6%
More bus lanes/ Widen bus lanes
26
1%
Other (Improve condition of roads, improve transfer process (less transfers/ longer eligibility for discount); 
trams/ trains added to service; size of bus to match route/ peak/ level of use; improve weekend service; more 
95
5%
advertising of services; finish central exchange; GPS tracking of buses; and better complaints service.
None/Not applicable
605
29%
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Means of Travelling if Public Transport is Unavailable
9.1 
Alternative Means of Travel
Respondents were asked to note how they would have made the trip they 
were interviewed on if public transport had not been available. One-fifth of 
respondents would not have made the trip and this shows the value of the Metro 
service to the Christchurch community in offering a means of transport. The 
Metro service is of special value to those aged over 65, of whom 37% would not 
have made the trip if public transport had not been available. 
Among those who would still have made the trip, the most common responses 
were that they would have been a passenger in or driven a car. This is generally 
consistent across most times of day, ages of respondents and the operators. 
Black Cat ferry users would be more likely to drive themselves than be a 
passenger if public transport were unavailable. 
Number of 
Percentage of 
9.1 Alternative Means of Travel if Bus 
Were Not Available for this Trip
Respondents
Respondents
Passenger in a car/ other vehicle
490
24%
Driven a car/ other vehicle
399
19%
Walk
325
16%
Cycle
274
13%
Taxi/ shuttle
154
7%
Don't know
32
2%
Would not have made trip
395
19%
9.2 Alternative Means of Travel by Time of Travel
 
Peak AM
Daytime
Peak PM
Evening
Saturday
Sunday
Passenger in a car/ other vehicle
25%
21%
25%
27%
24%
21%
Driven a car/ other vehicle
25%
18%
17%
20%
19%
19%
Walk
13%
18%
15%
16%
13%
15%
Cycle
16%
11%
15%
13%
12%
12%
Taxi/ shuttle
5%
8%
7%
10%
8%
8%
Skate/ Skateboard
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
1%
Don't know
2%
1%
2%
2%
1%
1%
Would not have made trip
14%
22%
18%
12%
22%
22%
26      ENVIRONMENT CANTERBURY | 2015 METRO USER CHRISTCHURC 
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9.3 Alternative Means of Travel by Age
 
16 to 17
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 64
65+
Passenger in a car/ other vehicle
44%
28%
19%
16%
16%
14%
Driven a car/ other vehicle
6%
16%
18%
25%
27%
26%
Walk
14%
16%
19%
17%
15%
10%
Cycle
14%
16%
15%
18%
10%
2%
Taxi/ shuttle
0%
7%
10%
11%
8%
8%
Skate/ Skateboard
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Don't know
0%
1%
2%
1%
2%
2%
Would not have made trip
21%
13%
17%
12%
23%
37%
9.4 Alternative Means of Travel by Operator
 
Red Bus
Go Bus
Black Cat
Total
Passenger in a car/ other vehicle
22%
24%
17%
24%
Driven a car/ other vehicle
18%
19%
52%
19%
Walk
18%
15%
0%
16%
Cycle
13%
13%
0%
13%
Taxi/ shuttle
11%
6%
0%
7%
Don't know
2%
1%
9%
2%
Would not have made trip
15%
21%
22%
19%
Those who noted they would be a passenger in a car or other vehicle if public 
transport was unavailable were asked whether that trip would be made especially 
for them or if the driver was making the trip anyway. Most (70%) suggested the 
trip would be made especially for them. This result coupled with the number who 
noted they would drive a car themselves suggests that the availability of public 
transport in Christchurch reduces the number of cars on the roads. 
Number of 
Percentage of 
9.5 Whether Trip Already Being Made 
or Driver Making Specific Trip
Respondents
Respondents
Trip would be made especially for me
345
70%
Driver would have made trip anyway
117
24%
Driver would be making a trip anyway but would go out of 
28
6%
their way to accommodate my trip
Total
490
 
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10 
Travelling to the Bus/ Ferry Stop
Respondents were asked to indicate their means of travel to the stop where they 
caught the bus or ferry. Most respondents (82%) walked to the bus (or ferry) 
stop. This was the most common method of travelling to the stop at all times of 
day and for all ages of passengers interviewed. 
Number of 
Percentage of 
10.1 Method of Travel to Stop
Respondents
Respondents
Walked
1698
82%
Transferred from another bus
199
10%
Was driven by someone else
87
4%
Biked
45
2%
Drove myself
23
1%
Other
24
1%
10.2 Method of Travel to Stop by Time of Day
 
Peak AM
Daytime
Peak PM
Evening
Saturday
Sunday
Walked
80%
82%
85%
77%
83%
82%
Transferred from another bus
11%
11%
7%
12%
9%
7%
Was driven by someone else
5%
3%
3%
6%
5%
5%
Biked
2%
1%
3%
3%
1%
2%
Drove myself
1%
1%
1%
1%
0%
1%
Other
1%
2%
1%
1%
1%
2%
10.3 Method of Travel to Stop by Age
 
16 to 17
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 64
65+
Walked
83%
82%
84%
76%
81%
82%
Transferred from another bus
10%
9%
7%
14%
10%
11%
Was driven by someone else
5%
4%
4%
6%
3%
4%
Biked
1%
3%
4%
2%
2%
0%
Drove myself
0%
1%
0%
1%
3%
2%
Other
1%
1%
1%
0%
1%
1%
28      ENVIRONMENT CANTERBURY | 2015 METRO USER CHRISTCHURC 
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11 
Passengers with Bikes
In 2015 a series of questions were asked regarding taking a bike on a bus. Of the 
2,077 Christchurch passengers interviewed, 10% had taken their bike on the bus 
in the last three months. 
Of those who had taken their bike on a bus, 29% (N=60) had experienced an 
occasion where the bike rack was full meaning they were unable to put their bike 
on the bus. The routes this was experienced on have been listed in Table 11.3. 
Number of 
Percentage of 
11.1 Passengers Who Have Taken 
Their Bike on a Bus
Respondents
Respondents
Have taken bike on bus
206
10%
Have not taken bike on bus
1871
90%
Number of 
Percentage of 
11.2 Incidence of Issues with 
Full Bike Racks
Respondents
Respondents
Full rack has meant couldn't take bike on bus
60
29%
No issues with racks being full
146
71%
Number of 
11.3 Routes Issues Have Been 
Experienced On
Respondents
Go Bus
Yellow
13
Orbitor
13
Blue
10
60
4
80
3
Orange
2
130
2
140
2
Orbitor - Anti-clockwise
1
820
1
Red Bus
Purple
9
28
3
100
1
135
1
29      ENVIRONMENT CANTERBURY | 2015 METRO USER CHRISTCHURC 
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